Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:03 PM AWST

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Shear sheep to professional level

Shear sheep to professional level

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG311
State Code
OFE82
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050103 - Wool Science
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
145
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select, handle and shear sheep to a professional level - at least 120 adult merino sheep or 140 adult crossbred sheep per day to industry standards.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work, including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures and standards, health and safety regulations, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements and environmental sustainability practices.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for shearing operation
  • 1.1 Identify relevant awards, agreements and workplace policies and standards associated with shearing sheep
  • 1.2 Communicate with other wool harvesting team members to discuss requirements for a smooth operation to attain output levels and maintain quality standards
  • 1.3 Gather and check shearing equipment for functionality according to workplace standards and manufacturer specifications
  • 1.4 Select, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly according to workplace standards
  • 1.5 Identify shearing techniques and shears used for crossbred sheep and merino sheep
2. Recognise and correct faults in own shearing technique
  • 2.1 Analyse own shearing technique using identified positions and focusing on humane handling of sheep in line with animal welfare and work health and safety (WHS) standards
  • 2.2 Recognise and correct faults in sheep position, footwork and free hand use
  • 2.3 Recognise and correct faults in the number of blows and their placement
  • 2.4 Improve coordination of footwork, free hand use, sheep control and blow placement
3. Apply techniques to increase shearing speed and accuracy
  • 3.1 Increase speed at which the handpiece is pushed forward and returned between blow placements
  • 3.2 Improve the power, direction and manoeuvrability applied at the increased speed
  • 3.3 Improve rhythm at the increased speed
  • 3.4 Maintain calm and consistent temperament whilst shearing
  • 3.5 Recognise the importance of stamina and fitness in improvement of output consistency
4. Communicate with wool harvesting team members and shear sheep to industry quality standards
  • 4.1 Demonstrate safety procedures during shearing in relation to self, other less experienced shearers and sheep
  • 4.2 Identify potential and existing hazards in the workplace and rectify by taking personal action or by reporting to appropriate person
  • 4.3 Avoid excessive wool contamination and damage to the wool by shearing in the identified manner and by communicating with the team to ensure the boards are kept clean
  • 4.4 Shear required number of sheep and tally sheep shorn using identified method and positions in a normal eight-hour working day
  • 4.5 Use appropriate movement of feet and hands, and maintain correct positioning to the downtube
  • 4.6 Release sheep at increased speed in line with workplace procedures and WHS standards
  • 4.7 Follow and communicate workplace biosecurity, environment and traceability policies
  • 4.8 Communicate with wool harvesting team members to ensure steady workflow according to workplace standards
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS45 AHCSHG304 Shear sheep to professional level Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BKD8 AHC32925 Certificate III in Shearing Qualification